It is with great sadness that we share the sudden passing of Maryelle Howard (née Renton). She passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 24, 1942 in New Westminster, British Columbia, and spent much of her life in Coquitlam, where she built a home filled with love, laughter, and creativity.
Maryelle worked as a Medical Office Assistant, where her kindness, dedication, and warm personality touched the lives of many. After retiring, she maintained a cherished friendship with her longtime boss Dr. David Freedman, a testament to the genuine connections she made throughout her life.
A talented and creative soul, Maryelle found joy in crafting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. Her handmade creations were gifts of love that will be treasured by family and friends for years to come.
Those who knew Maryelle will remember her as kind, funny, sensitive, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Above all, she was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, who brought her endless joy and were the greatest source of her happiness.
Maryelle was predeceased by her husband Fred in 2011. She is survived by her daughter Sandra Stratychuk (Ken), and son Mike (Marina), as well as her grandchildren Eric (Jean), Kyle (Nicole), Shannon (Brandon), Ashley (Justin), and Kim (Ian), and 5 great-grandchildren.
Maryelle leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, creativity, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
In keeping with Maryelle's wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Her family invites those who knew her to remember her in their own way and to honor her by sharing kindness with others, just as she did throughout her life.
Special thanks to the amazing staff at Royal Columbian Hospital emergency room, especially Dr. Joe Haegert, and Dr. Josh Wenner.
You have left us with beautiful memories and a lifetime of love. Until we meet again ❤️
August 5th, 2026
Thank you for being the amazing grandma that you were and all the love, guidance and care that you gave me. Some of my most cherished memories are ones I shared with you. Thank you for everything you ever did for me. I wish I could pick up the phone to call you one more time, or get one more hug or have one more visit with you with a Diet Pepsi. I promise to do my best to make you proud each and every day and to carry your memory with me in everything that I do. I love you more than words can say, and I will miss you for the rest of my life. Until we meet again Grandma. ❤️ I love you
August 5th, 2026
I first met Maryelle by telephone in 1990 as she called to refer a patient to the specialist I worked with. It was not until 2011 we would meet in person when I had the opportunity to share in her work for a few months and was finally able to put a face to the voice. Since then we shared many lunches and phone calls, checking in with each other to catch up on the daily or weekly goings on in each others lives. It was a pleasure to know you Maryelle.
August 5th, 2026
I’m so sorry to hear that Maryelle has passed away , I knew her for 25 years as I taught her granddaughter Shannon dancing lesson's. She was a good dancer and her grandmother was so very proud of her, and she spent many hours sewing her beautiful costumes over all those years., always made with Love. Maryelle was very talented, kind and generous , and nothing was too much trouble to please or help everyone. She was generous with her time and as a surprise crocheted a blanket for my Queen sized bed, what a lovely surprise and I think of all the time it tookC to make it and it’s so treasured by me
Sandra you were so loved by your Mom and Shannon you were your grandmothers pride and joy. I admired .Maryelle for her happy personality, her generous heart , and her kindness.
You left us with tons of great memories. Rest in Peace my friend ❤️
August 4th, 2026
When Ken married Sandra we became family. Maryelle and I did a lot of sharing the grandkids, doing meals for the celebrations through the years. We chatted about many topics and crafts and of course sewing. She was very energetic for the many times we got together. As we aged over the years we both felt it was the younger ones to take over the festive celebrations and we both enjoyed chatting about it. It was a shock for all of us to see her passing so quickly but it seemed she had some terrible health issues but she made it to Kyle and Nicole’s wedding. As I held her hand where we sat we both felt good about the wedding. I told her everything was going to be fine and she did agree. May she rest in peace and will missed so much.
August 3rd, 2026
This is my last photo of mom feeling good, and was taken on July 12, 2026, exactly 2 weeks to the day before she passed 😢
August 3rd, 2026
Our last photo....
August 2nd, 2026
August 2nd, 2026
August 1st, 2026
August 1st, 2026
I miss my mom so much. I don’t know how I’m supposed to go on without her 😢❤️
August 1st, 2026
Maryelle was so much more than a mother-in-law to me - she and Fred were so instantly welcoming when I joined the family. Over the last 20+ years, she became someone I could lean on for support, share my happy moments with, and count on for help with any crafting project. She was genuinely excited to hear all our news and delighted to be able to be of any kind of help. She was always asking what we were up to, what her grandkids were doing, and how my sister and her kids were. She truly loved family. We messaged almost daily and already my fingers are itching to pick up my phone so I can share a picture of Mike and I, or of my latest cross stitch project, or something out and about that I new would bring her a smile. I'm going to miss her so much - but I'm so grateful she was a part of my life for so long.
August 1st, 2026
Thank you mom, for every sacrifice you made and for providing a stable, loving home that allowed me to find my way through life. Like a quiet wave returning to the ocean, may you find eternal peace.
August 1st, 2026
Thank you mom, for every sacrifice you made and for providing a stable, loving home that allowed me to find my way through life. Like a quiet wave returning to the ocean, may you find eternal peace.
July 31st, 2026
Thinking of all Maryelle's family at this sad time. Treasure your memories of this much-loved lady.
July 31st, 2026
Very saddened at the loss of my grandmother. The sleepovers i had at her home with my cousins as a child will always remain precious memories.
July 31st, 2026
Thanks for all the giggles , messages
And memories over the years, rest in peace Maryelle you were very loved ❤️
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